What is a musical unit that contains a complete thought, similar to a sentence in language?

A phrase in music is a distinct musical unit that encapsulates a complete thought, much like a sentence conveys a complete idea in language. It typically consists of a series of notes and rhythms that express a single musical idea, allowing for emotional expression and thematic development. Phrases often create a sense of closure when they resolve at their end, similar to the way a sentence concludes with a period.

In contrast, a chorus refers to a repeated section of a song that typically features the main thematic material but does not necessarily represent a complete thought on its own. A melody represents a series of musical notes, often made up of several phrases, and is more about the overarching tune rather than a single unit of musical meaning. A measure, meanwhile, is a segment of time in music defined by a given number of beats and the rhythmic structure, serving more as a framework for organizing notes rather than a complete musical statement. Thus, a phrase is the appropriate answer as it conveys a complete musical thought.